Eugene P. Gerke

Eugene P. Gerke, aged 77 of Grand Rapids, went home to be with his Lord Saturday, January 21, 2012. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jane Joerin, and his brother, Bill Gerke. Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Judy. His children, Susan and Mark Speirs of Livonia, MI., Randolf and Carol Gerke of Grand Rapids, Dan and Maurene Gerke of England, Dave and Denise Gerke of South Lyons, MI. His grandchildren, Jessica and Ashley Speirs, Steve and Jamie Gerke, Ted, Marie and Aaron Zimmerman, Caitlin Gerke, Ryan, Nicole, and Eric Gerke, Austin, and Deirdre Gerke, 2 step granddaughters, Angela and Alexa Joerin, 4 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Eugene gave 51 years of service to Extruded Aluminum in Belding, was the former Mayor of Belding, and was very active with his church, and his community. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2727 5 Mile Rd. N.E. in Grand Rapids with Rev. Thomas Bartzsch officiating. Interment in Blythefield Memory Gardens. If you would like to pay your respects to Eugene, please visit the Reyers North Valley Chapel from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday. For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Messiah Lutheran Church Organ Fund.